One thing we took from Kae Tempest’s conversation with Dua Lipa for the Service95 Book Club? The transformative power of books – he even credits one for genuinely changing his life (more on this later).
It makes sense that Kae is an avid reader. With a body of work that spans music, spoken word, plays and nonfiction essays, he draws from references across all of these mediums for his latest novel, Having Spent Life Seeking (Dua’s Monthly Read For June).
Here, Kae shares the books that inspired him to write; that changed his outlook; and taught him to accept himself as the man and artist he is today. Introducing the next five books for your reading list...
Hangover Square by Patrick Hamilton
“Could be my favourite novel. I love how particular it is in its descriptions and in the way the world feels as soon as you jump in. Familiar and terrifying. Just like the real world. It’s an example of how a great writer can give the smallest interaction so much life and weight – even characters that only appear briefly feel knowable and real.”
Stone Butch Blues by Leslie Feinberg
“This novel changed my life. And continues to change my life. Reading it for the first time and feeling what I felt was probably the moment I began moving towards accepting myself and realising it was OK for me to exist. Saint Leslie, if you ask me.”
After Kathy Acker by Chris Kraus
“A great writer giving a full and loving account of a great writer. It feels revelatory. Chris Kraus is sensitive, wry, rigorous. It’s like you’re there, watching for yourself how ridiculous and overwhelming Kathy Acker’s life, work and cultivated personhood was. It’s tender but not sentimental. So well written. I love reading about writers. And cities. It’s a double winner.”
For Whom The Bell Tolls by Ernest Hemingway
“The best example I’ve read recently of how a writer can tell the story of a nation, of profit and capital, of poverty and migration, of technological revolution and dislocating change, through telling the specific and contained story of a family. Masterwork.”
King Kong Theory by Virginie Despentes
“I was lucky enough to be interviewed by Virginie for my book launch in Barcelona. She’s a beacon for me, shining a big bright light so we can find our way. Love how punk she is, how loving. How queer and passionate and brilliant her writing is.”
There’s More – Delve Deeper Into Having Spent Life Seeking With The Service95 Book Club...
WATCH Dua’s interview with author Kae Tempest
LISTEN to Kae Tempest’s playlist to soundtrack Having Spent Life Seeking
EXPLORE our essay on the rise, fall and rebirth of the UK’s seaside towns
READ our top new reads for June
BOOKMARK what to read when the sun comes out and life feels good again
